Abercrombie Curve vs. Regular: What's the difference?

Discover the difference between Abercrombie Regular and Curve Love fits. Learn how Curve Love adds extra hip room for curvier figures, solving the waistband gap.
Spencer Lanoue
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Spencer Lanoue
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The Abercrombie & Fitch Regular and Curve Love fits target the same styles but are cut for different body proportions, with the main distinction being an additional two inches of room in the hip and thigh area for the Curve Love line. Abercrombie's Regular fit is designed for a standard, straighter silhouette, while the Curve Love collection is specifically engineered to cater to curvier figures, aiming to eliminate the common waistband gap for those with a smaller waist-to-hip ratio.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you find the perfect Abercrombie fit for your body type.

Abercrombie Regular Fit

The Abercrombie Regular fit is the brand's standard sizing for bottoms, including jeans, trousers, and shorts. It's designed with classic proportions in mind, catering to individuals with a relatively straight line from their waist to their hips. This fit is what you would typically expect from standard off-the-rack sizing, offering a consistent and familiar silhouette.

  • What it is: Abercrombie's standard fit for bottoms, designed for a body with a more proportional waist-to-hip ratio.
  • Key features: A classic cut that follows a straighter line from the waist through the hips and thighs. Consistent with traditional industry sizing.
  • Price: Ranges from approximately $30 - $100, varying by style and material.
  • Sizing/Fit: Best for those whose waist and hip measurements are relatively close. For those with curvier hips, this fit might feel restrictive or result in a gap at the back of the waistband.
  • Pros: A reliable and predictable fit for straighter body types. Available across nearly every bottom style offered. Easy to shop if you don't have issues with standard sizing.
  • Cons: Often creates a "waist gap" for those with a smaller waist and fuller hips. Might be too tight on the hips and thighs for curvier figures. Sizing up to fit the hips can make the waist far too large.

This fit is best for anyone who finds that standard-sized pants typically fit well without significant gapping at the waist.

Shop this product: abercrombie.com/shop/us/womens-bottoms

Abercrombie Curve Love Fit

The Abercrombie Curve Love fit is a tailored solution for those who consistently struggle with standard sizing. By adding two extra inches of room through the hip and thigh area while keeping the waist measurement the same, this fit is precisely designed to accommodate a curvier figure. The goal is to hug your curves comfortably and, most importantly, eliminate the dreaded waist gap.

  • What it is: A specialized fit with an additional 2 inches of room through the hips and thighs when compared to the Regular fit in the same size.
  • Key features: Eliminates gapping at the back of the waistband. Contoured cut follows and fits curves properly. Built with comfortable, stretch-friendly materials.
  • Price: Identical to the Regular fit within the same style - typically $30 - $100+.
  • Materials/Construction: The same high-quality fabrics as the Regular fit, often utilizing denim and trousers with ample stretch for enhanced comfort and shape retention.
  • Sizing/Fit: Order your true waist size. This fit is designed for those with a more pronounced difference between their waist and hip measurements (often cited as a 10" or greater difference).
  • Pros: Provides a perfect, gap-free fit for hourglass and pear shapes. Exceptionally comfortable for those with fuller hips and thighs. Allows you to buy your actual waist size without restriction.
  • Cons: Can feel baggy in the hips and seat for those with a straighter figure. Not all colors or limited-edition runs are available in the Curve Love fit.

Perfect for shoppers with a smaller waist and fuller hips who are tired of sizing up and dealing with waistband gaps.

Shop this product: abercrombie.com/shop/us/womens-curve-love-jeans-and-bottoms

Abercrombie Regular Fit vs. Curve Love Fit Comparison

Fit & Sizing

This is the most significant difference. The Curve Love fit is designed with a 2-inch greater hip and thigh circumference compared to the Regular fit for the exact same waist size. For example, if you buy a size 28 in both fits, they will both have a 28" waistband, but the Curve Love version will provide much more room for your seat and thighs.

This thoughtful engineering directly addresses the age-old problem of the waist gap. Shoppers with hourglass or pear shapes often have to buy jeans that fit their hips, leaving a large opening at the back of the waist. The Curve Love line is cut to fit a smaller waist-to-hip ratio, hugging both areas properly without pulling or gapping.

Quality & Materials

The quality and materials used are identical between both fits for any given style. A "90s Straight Jean" in Regular fit is made from the exact same denim as the "90s Straight Jean" in Curve Love fit. Both are subject to Abercrombie's quality standards for construction and durability. The only difference is in the pattern the fabric is cut from. Consequently, neither collection offers superior quality, they simply offer a different cut designed for different body shapes.

Style & Versatility

Visually, the styles are exactly the same. Abercrombie offers the Curve Love fit across its most popular styles, including their iconic '90s Straight jeans, dad shorts, trousers, and more. A pair of Regular straight-leg jeans offers the same aesthetic and silhouette as the Curve Love version. The distinction is not in the fashion but rather in the fit. This allows shoppers who need a curvier cut to access the same trendy, modern styles as everyone else without compromise.

Price & Value

There is no price difference between the Regular and Curve Love fits. Abercrombie has committed to inclusivity by offering these fit options at the same price point. A specific style of jean will cost the same regardless of which fit you choose. The value is found in getting a garment that fits your body correctly from the start, potentially saving you money on tailoring or the frustration of buying clothes that don't truly fit.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both fits provide the same on-trend style and fabric quality, so your choice should be based entirely on your body's specific proportions.

Choose the Regular Fit if:

  • You have a straighter figure with hips and a waist that are relatively proportional.
  • You rarely, if ever, experience a noticeable gap at the back of your jeans.
  • You find that when pants fit your hips, they generally fit your waist correctly as well.
  • Jeans advertised as "curvy" often feel baggy on your hips or seat.

Choose the Curve Love Fit if:

  • You consistently have a gaping waistband on jeans that fit your hips and thighs.
  • You often have to size up to accommodate your hips, only to have the waist be too large.
  • You have a prominent hourglass or pear shape with a smaller waist compared to your hips.
  • You want a comfortable fit that embraces your curves without squeezing or restricting them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Abercrombie Curve Love and Regular?

The main difference is the fit in the hips and thighs. The Curve Love fit includes an additional two inches of room in that area compared to the Regular fit for the same waist size. This is specifically designed to eliminate the waist gap.

Should I size down for Curve Love?

No, you should purchase your usual waist size from Abercrombie. The Curve Love fit is proportionate to the tagged waist size, meaning a size 27 is still designed for a 27-inch waist - it just has more room in the hips.

Is Abercrombie Curve Love only for plus sizes?

Not at all. Curve Love is a type of fit, not a size range. It is available across Abercrombie's full size spectrum, typically from size 23 to 37, so shoppers of all sizes can find a fit that accommodates their curves.

Who is the Curve Love fit for?

It's for anyone who has a notable difference between their waist and hip measurements. If you find standard jeans are too tight on your hips and too loose on your waist, the Curve Love collection is designed for you.

Do Curve Love jeans have a different leg style?

The overall leg style (e.g., straight, skinny, flare) is exactly the same as its Regular fit counterpart. The only difference is in the immediate hip, seat, and upper thigh area. A straight-leg jean will still have a straight leg from the knee down in both fits.

I don't consider myself "curvy," can I still wear Curve Love?

The term "curvy" refers to body proportions rather than overall size. You can be a size 24 and benefit from the Curve Love fit if you have a smaller waist relative to your hips. If your figure is straighter, the Regular fit will likely provide a more flattering look.

Is there a price difference between Curve Love and Regular fits?

No, Abercrombie prices the same style of bottoms identically regardless of whether you choose the Regular or Curve Love fit.